Major League Baseball announced the postponement of two critical games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the immediate threat posed by Hurricane Helene as it approaches the Atlanta area. The decision to reschedule the games, originally set for Wednesday and Thursday, was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans.
According to an unnamed source, “The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand.” As per the MLB’s announcement, the postponed games will potentially be held as a doubleheader on Monday, contingent on their relevance to postseason standings.
Impact on Team Schedules
The rescheduling requires adjustments to both teams' itineraries. The Mets, who are currently locked in as the National League's No. 5 seed with an 87-70 record, face a three-game series this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers. With postseason ambitions still high, the sudden shift in their schedule could add an extra layer of complexity to their preparations.
The Braves, meanwhile, are in a more precarious position. Trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot, every game is crucial for Atlanta. They are scheduled to host the Kansas City Royals this weekend, and any interruption to their momentum could influence their push for a postseason berth. Truist Park was brimming with enthusiasm, registering an attendance of 40,103 for Tuesday's series opener, which saw Atlanta triumph 5-1.
Logistical Challenges
Despite the necessity for postponement, the decision did not come without internal conflicts. One insider revealed, "Background conversations with involved personnel indicated that basically the Braves were expecting large attendance for the three games and did not want to forego the gates nor work through the logistics of moving personnel such as security, concessionaires, etc., to other dates or start times." Accommodation for the high turnout was a significant factor tipping the scales.
Moreover, logistical challenges abound in moving the games. The Mets would need to make a return trip to Atlanta for the doubleheader on Monday, a scenario that certainly complicates their travel and game planning. While it’s a minor hurdle compared to potential safety risks, it does underscore the balancing act required by the MLB in ensuring both safety and competitive fairness.
Blame and Responsibility
The unnamed sources were clear on one point: the ultimate authority of the decision lay with Major League Baseball. "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say," conveyed sources involved in the situation. With Hurricane Helene's unpredictable nature, taking precautionary measures aligns with an overarching emphasis on safety.
Importantly, the potential doubleheader on Monday will only transpire if postseason implications arise from these games. Given the close wild-card race, such a scenario seems likely, keeping fans and teams on tenterhooks until the decision is finalized. Meanwhile, the Braves remain focused on their upcoming matches against the Royals, and the Mets prepare for their encounter with the Brewers, both teams mindful that disrupted plans could still shape their postseason paths.